The 2025 World Transplant Games, staged from August 17–24 in Dresden, bring together transplant recipients, living donors, families, and supporters from over 60 nations to celebrate the “Gift of Life” through sport. Seventeen disciplines span high-exertion to low-impact such as table tennis, badminton, darts, athletics, and football hosted across centrally located venues in a city that embraces both tradition and innovation.

Team India features a historic 57-member delegation, including two competitors from Kerala: Sujith (liver recipient) and Mithun (kidney recipient). Sujith will contest in the 100 m, 200 m, 400 m relay, volleyball, and football. Mithun will participate in darts (singles/triples) and table tennis emphasizing that exercise and active living are vital in managing life post-transplant.

Preparatory training was spearheaded by ORGAN India in collaboration with Manav Rachna University, equipping 26 elite transplant athletes with physical conditioning, psychological readiness, nutrition guidance, and sport-specific training such as volleyball and football drills. Notable athletes include Nirmaljeet Kaur (volleyball), Ankit Kumar (multi-discipline), Priti Unhale (petanque), Abhinav Pangtey (badminton/athletics), Ramdev Singh, Satbir Singh (running), Harsh Vardhan Singh, Karhun Nanda (golf), Naveen (running), and Ravindra Singh Shekhawat (shot put).

This global event underscores the resilience of transplant recipients and the vital importance of organ donation. It stands as a testament: post-transplant life can be active, competitive, and joyful and inspires a broader pledge to foster awareness and celebrate second chances.